‘Chaplains’ for Christian Nationalism
This issue of A Public Witness looks at the problems with recent public school chaplaincy bills by considering what a chaplain really is and what religious freedom actually looks like.
Florida Will Open Schools to Volunteer Chaplains
Opponents cite several problems with the new Florida law that takes effect July 1, including there being no training requirements for these public school chaplains.
Some State Lawmakers Want School Chaplains as Part of a ‘Rescue Mission’ for Public Education
Many chaplains and interfaith organizations oppose the campaign, calling the motivation offensive and dangerous — especially without standards around proselytizing or serving students from different religious backgrounds.
Georgia GOP Senators Seek To Ban Sexually Explicit Books From School Libraries, Reduce Sex Education
Republican senators in Georgia also want to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms and allow religious chaplains to counsel teachers and students.
Florida Considers Allowing Volunteer Chaplains in Public Schools
The only requirements for a chaplain participating in a school program would be a background check and having their name and religious affiliation listed on the school website.
In Texas, Debate Over School Chaplains Escalates School Board Culture Wars
Conservative Christian activists are hoping to turn Texas public schools into a ‘mission field.’
Ohio Republican Lawmakers Propose Allowing Chaplains in Public Schools
The proposal comes after Texas lawmakers approved a similar measure over the objections of civil rights groups, academics, and even some chaplains themselves.
More Than 100 Chaplains Urge Texans Not To Hire School Chaplains
Texas school districts have until March 1 of next year to decide whether to hire school chaplains.
Review & Giveaway: Spiritual Care
Sociologist Wendy Cadge's "Spiritual Care: The Everyday Work of Chaplains" is an in-depth study that fills a gaping hole in understanding how religious care is provided within the United States.
Texas Legislature Passes Bill Allowing Chaplains in Public Schools
‘I worry that this bill will lead to Christian nationalists infiltrating our public schools and indoctrinating our students,’ said Texas state Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat and Presbyterian seminarian.